Paralysis Due to Spinal Cord Lesion in Dogs

Schiff-Sherrington Phenomenon in Dogs

Schiff-Sherrington phenomenon occurs when the spinal cord is transected by an acute, usually severe lesion to the second lumbar vertebrae (located in the lower back), causing exaggerated posturing in the upper extremities (front limb extension). Hind limb paralysis (regarded as the release phenomenon) can also occur due to damage to the border cells and interneurons located in the lumbar spinal cord (mainly L2-4), which normally exert influence on the spinal segments below the transection.

Symptoms and Types

Causes

Schiff-Sherrington phenomenon may develop due to severe thoracolumbar spinal injuries (such as those brought on by an auto accident) or because of intervertebral disk disease (most common).

Diagnosis

You will need to give a thorough history of your dog’s health to your veterinarian, including the onset and nature of the symptoms. He or she will then perform a complete physical examination as well as a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and electrolyte panel to rule out other causes associated with your pet's exaggerated posture.

The most useful tools to visualize the dog's spinal cord, and thereby locate the thoracolumbar lesion, is by taking CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, as well as employing myelography, in which a dye is injected during radiographic examination.

Treatment

Treatment is directed toward repairing the damage caused by the thoracolumbar spinal cord lesion, which may involve spinal surgery. If adequate spinal cord function is restored, Schiff-Sherrington Phenomenon can be resolved. However, there is no specific course of treatment currently available.

Living and Management

The exaggerated posture may persist for days up to several weeks, but this is not an indication of a hopeless prognosis. With rapid and aggressive treatment, your pet may recover, especially if the dog can feel pain in its extremities lower than the spinal injury.

neuron

The most basic element of the nervous system

prognosis

The prediction of a disease’s outcome in advance

urinalysis

An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness

myelography

The study of the spine after dye has been injected

lumbar

The part of the back between the pelvis and the thorax

gait

The term used to describe the movement of an animal

lesion

A change in the way that tissue is constructed; a sore

acute

Term used to imply that a situation or condition is more severe than usual; also used to refer to a disease having run a short course or come on suddenly.